4 ms·

I think you misunderstood the parent comment's argument. What I believe they were saying is that continuous pumping (i.e. rotary pumps) may be less effective th

I think you misunderstood the parent comment's argument. What I believe they were saying is that continuous pumping (i.e. rotary pumps) may be less effective than beat-by-beat pumping (i.e. pulsatile pumps). The former result in a static continuous blood pressure while the latter result in a blood pressure waveform with a systolic and diastolic pressure. The argument I'm familiar with is that peaks and valleys in blood pressure trigger strengthening of arterial walls in a similar mechanism to muscle growth. But, there's a few different arguments and as far as I know, the science isn't completely settled.

robbiep 5y ago
Pulsating vessels are really important. There’s a bunch of evidence of the physiological benefits to having a pulse. Doesn’t mean you can’t, but it’s good for you, you evolved to have it. You can convince stem cells to differentiate into arterial wall just by exposing them to arterial flow. Just as you can get stem cells differentiate into osteoblasts by keeping them in a rigid structure. Smart fuckers
- lostlogin 5y ago
  > There’s a bunch of evidence of the physiological benefits to having a pulse. This is such a great statement on a couple of levels. That having no pulse and being alive is even possible is amazing. How basic medical observations are done for these people is interesting to contemplate.